The WLT 2015 Manuscript Contest

Open to submissions: November 1, 2014 - February 7, 2015

UPDATE (2/8/15, 12:01 AM): THISCONTESTIS NOW CLOSED.

Have you been working hard on an unpublished manuscript that's finally ready to see the light of day? Well, here's your chance! You are invited to submit a short synopsis and the opening pages of your unpublished work to the League’s 15th annual Manuscript Contest. (And no, you don't have to live in Texas to enter this contest. It's open to everyone, everywhere!)

The winner in each category will meet individually with an agent at the 2015 Writers’ League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference in June 2015. All entrants—whether winners or not—will receive written feedback on their submission from a published author in their genre.

Best of all, you do NOT need to have a complete, finished manuscript to enter this contest! All you need are the first (roughly) ten pages of the manuscript plus a synopsis that describes the rest of the book you have planned.

This contest gives you the chance to…

• Attend a private meeting with a literary agent in your genre

• Have your work professionally critiqued by a published author

• Find out how your first ten pages rank against others in your genre

• Be recognized at the 2015 WLT Agents & Editors Conference

What’s new for 2015?

This year we are pleased to introduce a category for memoirs! Memoirs and general nonfiction used to be lumped together in one group, but you requested separate categories, and we're happy to say we listened. Also new this year is an "opt-out" option for those who want to enter the contest but do not wish to receive a written critique.

Finally, like last year, we will continue to accept entries both online and offline. An online entry form is provided for those who prefer to submit digitally, and a downloadable paper entry form is available for those who prefer to submit via mail.

Complete the form and return it to the Writers' League office by mail along with the following printed materials: a one-page, double-spaced synopsis of your manuscript (roughly 250-300 words); the opening ten pages of your manuscript (please refer to formatting instructions); a check for the entry fee made payable to “Writers’ League of Texas”.

In early March, you will receive a confirmation that we received your entry. Please do not call to inquire about the status of your entry until after March 15.

Deadline: January 31, 2015February 7, 2015

Online entries must be submitted by midnight CST on February 7.
Printed entries must be postmarked by February 7, but may arrive later.

Note that your membership must be current in order to receive the member discount. As proof of current membership, you will be asked to provide your member number. If you’re not sure where to find your member number, log into www.writersleague.org and click on “my account". If you're not sure whether your membership is still current, you are also welcome to call our office.

Critiques

All entries will be judged and critiqued by published professionals. Critiques are double blind - contest entrants will not know the name of their judge and all submissions will remain anonymous to the judges. Score sheets with comments from the judges will be emailed to each entrant after the finalists and winners are selected.

Multiple Entries

You may enter this contest in as many categories as you like, with up to three entries per category. Each entry requires separate payment. For each one, please supply a separate entry form and payment.

Prizes

Winners in each category will receive a one-on-one consultation with an agent at our 2015 Agents & Editors Conference. Winners who cannot attend in person can opt for a phone consultation.